A slickline that includes both electrically conductive and fiber optic capacity. The slickline includes a fiber optic thread or bundle of threads that may be surrounded by an electrically conductive member such as split half shells of copper elements. Further, these features may be disposed in a filler matrix so as to provide a cohesiveness the core of the slickline. So, for example, the line may be more effectively utilized in downhole applications such as coiled tubing operations, without undue concern over collapse or pinhole issues emerging in the line.

A cable assembly is provided, adapted to be installed into a duct by means of a combination of blowing and mechanical feeding. The cable assembly comprises: at least one flexible signal transmitting member for transmitting optical signals, a first layer surrounding said at least one signal transmitting member such that at least one signal transmitting member is in touching contact with said first layer, and a second layer arranged outwardly of said first layer, said second layer being a non-thermoplastic layer comprising a non-thermoplastic, crosslinked polyethylene material. A method of producing the cable assembly is also disclosed.

Generating an assessment of the suitability of cables, ducts, tubes, pipes and/or other hollow-type of conduits to extraction of cores, conductors, insulation, etc. included therein while still buried in the ground or otherwise positioned out-of-sight so as to be unavailable for visual and/or physical inspection is contemplated. The assessment may be used to indicate a suitability of a cable buried in the ground of a hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) cable plant to extraction of the type whereby a core of the cable may be extracted using hydraulics while still buried.

A unit that houses tracking electronics configured to be passed through a duct while the tracking electronics collect position information is provided. The information collected by the unit is used to map the duct. A method of mapping a duct is also provided.

The present disclosure provides an optical fiber cable (100). The optical fiber cable (100) includes a first layer (108) and a second layer (110). The second layer (110) surrounds the first layer (108). The first layer (108) includes a first plurality of buffer tubes (122). The second layer (110) comprises a second plurality of buffer tubes (124). Each buffer tube of the first plurality of buffer tubes (122) and the second plurality of buffer tubes (124) has a thickness of at most 0.15 millimeter. Each buffer tube of the first plurality of buffer tubes (122) and the second plurality of buffer tubes (124) includes a first material layer (126) and a second material layer (128). The second material layer (128) surrounds the first material layer (126). The first material layer (126) is made of polybutylene terephthalate. The second material layer (128) is made of polycarbonate.

A method of installing a cable through a duct by blowing the cable with a stream of compressed air. The method comprises dispersing a nebulized lubricant in the stream of compressed air, causing the stream of compressed air to deposit the nebulized lubricant onto the cable and to blow it into the duct. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed.

A tube coupling comprising a coupling body (1) having an opened ended throughway to receive a tube (T). A collet (41) is located in the open end of the through way having a ring (52) and a plurality of flexible arms (53) extending generally axially of the ring into the throughway. The throughway has a tapered surface (43) convergent towards the open end and the collet arms have heads at their distal ends for engaging both of the tapered surface and a tube extending through the collet into the throughway to be compressed against the tube by the tapered surface with outward movement of the collet with respect of the throughway to secure the tube in the throughway. A collet lock is formed on the collet (41), the collet having a locked rotary position in which the lock holds the collet in an outward tube securing position and an unlocked rotary position in which the collet can move axially with respect to the throughway for release and engagement of a tube by the collet. One of the body (1) and the collet (41) is provided with a cam surface (46) and the other is provided with a cam follower (56), the cam surface being provided to provide the locked and unlocked positions. The disclosure also extends to the collet (41).

A slickline that includes both electrically conductive and fiber optic capacity. The slickline includes a fiber optic thread or bundle of threads that may be surrounded by an electrically conductive member such as split half shells of copper elements. Further, these features may be disposed in a filler matrix so as to provide a cohesiveness the core of the slickline. So, for example, the line may be more effectively utilized in downhole applications such as coiled tubing operations, without undue concern over collapse or pinhole issues emerging in the line.

A transmission line installation system includes a transmission line conveying apparatus that operates to install a transmission line within a conduit by advancing the transmission line through the conduit. The transmission line conveying apparatus includes a plurality of components. The components include local controllers. Communication with the local controllers of the components synchronizes operation of the components during the installation of a transmission line.

A transmission line installation system includes a transmission line conveying apparatus that operates to install a transmission line within a conduit by advancing the transmission line through the conduit. The transmission line conveying apparatus includes a plurality of components. The components include local controllers. Communication with the local controllers of the components synchronizes operation of the components during the installation of a transmission line.